The Beijing Olympic Games had a local connection, as former Weatherford College baseball player Jake Arrieta pitched for Team USA.

Arrieta led Team USA to a bronze medal during the Beijing Games.

"We are extremely proud to have a former student-athlete represent WC and our baseball program in the Olympic Games," said WC head baseball coach Jeff Lightfoot. "It is an incredible honor to represent your country in any capacity, but to get to play baseball for the U.S. has got to be a dream come true for Jake. I am elated for him and his family."

Arrieta played for Team USA in 2006, leading the squad to an International University Sports Federation World Championship in Cuba. He dominated the tournament on the mound, going 4-0 with an incredible 0.27 ERA. In 33.3 innings pitched, the right-hander struck out 34 batters and allowed just one earned run to cross the plate.

Arrieta played for WC in 2005 after graduating from Plano East. He went on to TCU, earning Pitcher of the Year honors in the Mountain West Conference. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, and was playing with the Class A Frederick Keys in Maryland this summer before his selection to Team USA.